Influenza A antigens on human lymphocytes in vitro and probably in vivo.

Abstract

INFLUENZA A viruses cause respiratory tract infections in man, associated with generalised symptoms of fever, headache and myalgia. Virus replication seems to be limited to the respiratory tract epithelium1, and attempts to demonstrate a viraemia have been largely unsuccessful2, although it is not unknown3. The mechanisms producing the generalised symptoms are not yet understood. In this paper we demonstrate the probable presence of viral antigens on peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients during peak infection with influenza. This could have important implications both for the pathogenesis of influenza and for early diagnosis.